Carole King

Carole King is a renowned American singer, songwriter, and musician who has been active in the music industry since the 1950s, collaborating with notable artists such as Paul Simon, James Taylor, and Toni Stern. Born in Manhattan, New York City, King began her music career at a young age, attending Queens College, City University of New York and later working with her then-husband Gerry Goffin as a songwriting team for Aldon Music, a company owned by Don Kirshner. King's music has been influenced by various genres, including jazz, blues, and folk music, and she has worked with prominent musicians such as Aretha Franklin, The Drifters, and The Shirelles.

Early Life and Career

Carole King was born Carol Joan Klein to a Jewish family in Manhattan, New York City, and grew up in Brooklyn, where she developed an interest in music at a young age, inspired by artists such as Bach, Mozart, and Gershwin. She attended James Madison High School and later enrolled in Queens College, City University of New York, where she met her future husband Gerry Goffin, with whom she formed a successful songwriting partnership, writing hits for artists such as The Everly Brothers, Little Eva, and The Chiffons. King's early career was also influenced by her work with Neil Sedaka, Howard Greenfield, and Barry Mann, and she was a member of the Brill Building songwriting community, which included notable songwriters such as Leiber and Stoller and Doc Pomus.

Music Career

Carole King's music career spans over five decades, during which she has released numerous successful albums, including Tapestry, Music, and Wrap Around Joy, which feature hit singles such as It's Too Late, I Feel the Earth Move, and Jazzman, a song that showcases her ability to blend different genres, including jazz and rock music. King has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including James Taylor, Toni Stern, and Lou Adler, and has written songs for notable musicians such as Aretha Franklin, The Drifters, and The Shirelles. Her music has been influenced by various genres, including folk music, rock music, and soul music, and she has been compared to other prominent singer-songwriters such as Joni Mitchell, Stevie Nicks, and Fleetwood Mac.

Personal Life

Carole King has been married four times, including to Gerry Goffin, with whom she had two daughters, Louise Goffin and Sherry Goffin Kondor, and has been in a long-term relationship with Rick Evers, a member of the Baker Street Irregulars. King has been involved in various philanthropic activities, including supporting the Natural Resources Defense Council and the League of Conservation Voters, and has been an advocate for environmental protection and women's rights. She has also been involved in various political campaigns, including supporting George McGovern's presidential campaign in 1972 and performing at benefits for organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Organization for Women.

Discography

Carole King's discography includes numerous successful albums, such as Tapestry, Music, and Wrap Around Joy, which feature hit singles such as It's Too Late, I Feel the Earth Move, and Jazzman. Her other notable albums include Pearls: Songs of Goffin and King, Speeding Time, and Colour of Your Dreams, which showcase her ability to blend different genres and collaborate with various artists, including Eric Clapton, K.D. Lang, and Bonnie Raitt. King has also released several live albums, including The Carnegie Hall Concert: June 18, 1971 and In Concert, which feature performances of her hit songs and showcase her ability as a live performer.

Awards and Legacy

Carole King has received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to music, including multiple Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards. She has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Grammy Hall of Fame, and has received a National Medal of Arts from the National Endowment for the Arts. King's music has been covered by numerous artists, including Aretha Franklin, The Drifters, and The Shirelles, and she has been named one of the most successful songwriters of all time by Rolling Stone and Billboard.

Film and Stage Work

Carole King's music has been featured in various films and stage productions, including A League of Their Own, The Simpsons, and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, a Broadway musical that tells the story of her life and career. King has also made appearances in films and television shows, including The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Saturday Night Live, and Gilmore Girls, and has been the subject of several documentaries, including Carole King: Natural Woman and Troubadours: Carole King/James Taylor & The Rise of the Singer-Songwriter. Her music has been used in various commercials and advertisements, including those for Coca-Cola, Apple, and Target, and she has been involved in various charity events, including benefits for Amnesty International and the Red Cross.